World Cup favourites England lost to Australia by 64 runs at Lord's on Tuesday and Twitter had their say about it.
t was reminiscent of the Australian swagger of yore as Aaron Finch's pacers bossed arch-rivals England on their way to the World Cup semifinals with a 64-run victory here Tuesday.
While Australia became the first team to reach the semifinals of the showpiece, England's defeat, their second straight following the stunning reverse to Sri Lanka, made their path to the last four way tougher than it was not less than a week ago.
Captain Finch rose to the occasion with his second century of the tournament before England rallied to stop Australia at 285 for seven in their blockbuster showdown.
In reply, England found the left-arm pace duo of Jason Behrendorff (5/-43) and Mitchell Starc (4/44) too hot to handle, capitulating to 221 all out in 44.4 overs. Ben Stokes waged a lonely battle for his 89 off 115 balls.
England were off to the worst possible start, losing James Vince in only the second ball of the innings.
Bigger blows awaited the hosts as the Lord's saw in disbelief the quick departure of the in-from Joe Root followed by skipper Eoin Morgan.
At 26 for three in the sixth over, England were staring down the barrel against a side that is historically known to raise its game on the biggest stage, more so when the stakes are high.
England were pushed further down the abyss when Jonny Bairstow was dismissed by Jason Behrendorff, making it 53 for four in the 14th over.
With a 71-run partnership for the fifth wicket, Stokes and Jos Buttler somewhat rescued the innings, but the wicketkeeper-batsman got out after making 25 off 27 balls.
Australia openers Finch and David Warner survived a testing opening burst by the England pace attack before sharing a fluent partnership of 123, their fifth fifty stand in a row. Warner, on 53, spooned a catch to Root at backward point off Moeen and after Stokes had bowled Khawaja for 23, Finch reached three figures for the second time in the tournament.
He skied Archer's next delivery straight into the hands of Woakes at fine leg, however, and Australia lost momentum as Maxwell was out for 12 and Stoinis was run out for eight following a comical mix-up with Steve Smith. The former Australia captain made 38 before chipping Woakes to Archer at mid-on, and he left the field to a smattering of boos in reference to his role in last year's ball-tampering scandal.
To see DNA's full coverage of the game click: HERE
England are finding it easier to exit the world cup than Europe #ENGvAUS #CWC19
— Gaurav Kalra (@gauravkalra75) June 25, 2019
Since South Africa didn’t step up, South Africa A choking at the big stage with the World Cup semi finals on the line.
— if Shrikant,who can? (@HomerOpines) June 25, 2019
1. 'Best of Wishes'
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Ball of the tournament so far and one of the best yorkers I ve ever seen! What a bowler #mitchellstarc is #CWC19 #AUSvENG #CmonAussie https://t.co/1O3a7LO2B0
— Rahul (@rahveee) June 25, 2019
#AUS bowlers looks good in seaming conditions particular as we aspect #JasonBehrendorff and #mitchellstarc also finals are in lords if they provide replica of this pitch they will became favorite if @CricketAus batsman bat sensible like today and put enough runs #CWC19 #ENGvAUS
— Abhinav Jha (@Abhinav122000) June 25, 2019
Australia's record in world cups is fabulous.They won 5 WC and still there team is in semi finals and favourite too.What a team. #CWC19 #ENGvsAUS #Australia #AUS #England
— Muhammad Umair Sabir (@itsumairsabir) June 25, 2019
2. 'Hard work pays off'
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#Eng need to learn from their mistakes and fast. #Aus have shown the way in this world cup by keeping wickets in hand and taking the innings deep. Too many England players throwing their wickets away with naive dismisalls. Has to be a reality check again today...#CWC19
— bill i am (@Knowlesyyyyyy) June 25, 2019
Oh man!If hard work,fight back & Determination had a face it would've Stokes!What a game from him. Pure class,a bit of unlucky there... England .Well played Australia #AUSvENG #CWC19 #CWC2019
— Malaika Butt (@Malaika_Butt_29) June 25, 2019
Congrats 2 Behrendorrf for his brilliant 5fer. #Aus r the 1st 2reach the #semifinals
Now #AUS Into the semis!!! Extraordinary bowling from @JDorff5 & Starc. Another superb from @AaronFinch5. Stunning fielding effort from the team. 2 more matches to go.... #CmonAussie #ENGvAUS #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/EHSXimniMB
— Noel Dhanujan (@NoelDhanujan) June 25, 2019
3. 'A win for Pakistan this'
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Overwhelming favourites, now gasping to stay alive in a World Cup so many thought was theirs to own! #England #ENGvsAUS
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) June 25, 2019
England's loss today will go in favour of Pakistan. If England lose another game and Pakistan win remaining three then Pakistan will qualify for the semis (provided SL do not win more than two).
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) June 25, 2019
It also means that PAK won't be out even if they lose to NZ tomorrow. #CWC19
So happy for Aaron Finch. Scores runs & by example also makes sure that his team is liked at the same time. #Australia
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) June 25, 2019
